Thaddeus M. Kush, ‘Gunda’ ‘Junior’
Thaddeus M. “Gunda” “Junior” Kush, 81, of Milton, formerly of Newark, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at the Compassionate Care Hospice floor of St. Francis Hospital.
Mr. Kush was born in Windber, Pa., the son of the late Thadeus and Anna (Hancharik) Kush. He graduated from Winder High School in 1949 where he excelled as a quarterback for the Rambler Football Team. He then went to work for Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pa. before moving his family to Newark in 1962. Thaddeus retired from DuPont Chambers Works in Deepwater, N.J. in 1990 where he was employed as a rigger. He and his wife, Mary, later moved to Milton.
Thad was an avid dancer and he loved all types of music, particularly Big Bands. He enjoyed classic movies, especially ones starring John Wayne. He was a Notre Dame football fan. He was extremely proud of his Polish heritage, instilling in his children and grandchildren an appreciation for Polish customs and culture. He was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes and a former member of Holy Angels Church in Newark where he coached youth football. In his later years, he dearly loved watching his grandchildren participate in their many academic and athletic events. From Sussex County to Columbus, Ohio, and from Wilmington, N.C. to Cooperstown, N.Y., they could all count on Grandpa to be there.
Thaddeus was preceded in death by his loving wife and dance partner, Mary (Hill) Kush; and his best friend and brother, Joseph J. Kush and his wife, Ileen. He will be sadly missed by his children and their spouses: Theresa "Terry" Christian and husband Larry of Wilmington, Karen Higgins and husband Joe of Seaford, and Thad Kush and wife Sue of Landenberg, Pa. He is also survived by his sisters and their spouses: Louise Pawlowicz and husband John of Butler, Pa. and Dorothy Salay and husband Mike of Pueblo, Colo., formerly of Johnstown, Pa.; five grandchildren: Sarah and Alice Higgins, and Kyle, Corey and Beau Kush; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 17 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2505 Centerville Road, Wilmington. The viewing will take place at 9:30 a.m. in church. A private interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Milton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thaddeus' name may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 11 Independence Way, Newark, DE 19713.
